EXCLUSIVE: Three candidates nominated for Mayo Under-20 job

THERE has been plenty of interest in who will take over as Mayo Under-20 football manager in 2026. Now, we are a few steps closer to finding out who will take the helm for the upcoming campaign following the closure of the window for applications.

Last Friday, August 15, the window for clubs and individuals to nominate candidates slammed shut. The Mayo News understands that three applications were received by the Executive before the deadline.

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The Mayo News also understands that all three candidates possess prior inter-county experience.

The Mayo GAA Executive have set a timeline of the first week of September to have the role filled.

On July 7, at a meeting of the County Board, it was confirmed that Mayo GAA would be seeking a new manager after Peadar Gardiner's decision to step away from the post.

Gardiner, alongside a backroom team including Mark Ryan, Ger Cafferkey, and Keith Higgins, was appointed in August 2023, replacing outgoing U-20 main man Maurice Sheridan.

Crossmolina clubman Gardiner left the role having guided the side to Connacht glory in this year’s exciting and enthralling final against Roscommon in Tuam in May, ending a nine-year wait for provincial silverware.

The Executive have also set a target of early September for the appointment of an Under-17 coach following the departure of Tom Reilly and David Heaney.

It is understood that the appeal for nominations is yet to go out, given the involvement of Under-16 sides in their respective competitions, precluding managers involved with sides from concentrating on their applications.